ESG still a 'minefield' for wary advisers and wealth managers

However, popularity of sustainable funds remains

clock • 3 min read

Advisers and wealth managers remain extremely cautious about claims made by ESG funds for fear they will get caught up in greenwashing scandals, a survey has found.

The percentage of investment advisers who say they "completely trust" sustainability claims from funds has fallen from 1% to zero, according to the ESG Attitudes Tracker from the Association of Investment Companies (AIC). On a scale of one to five, most respondents (51%) rated their level of trust as ‘three', indicating limited trust. Advisers told the researchers that recommending funds based on misleading claims puts their business at risk. One adviser said: "I am concerned about [greenwashing] because to recommend something on the basis that it meets my client's desires for investm...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Green

SDR changes: What next for financial advisers?

SDR changes: What next for financial advisers?

‘Improved transparency should put impact investing back on the agenda’

Isabel Baxter
clock 10 September 2024 • 7 min read
Unpacking ESG funds: Will the new SDR labels really help investors?

Unpacking ESG funds: Will the new SDR labels really help investors?

More jargon-busting work to be done

Laura Suter
clock 09 September 2024 • 3 min read
UK anti-greenwashing rule and guidance: What advisers need to know

UK anti-greenwashing rule and guidance: What advisers need to know

Sustainability characteristics must be consistent

Jessica Reed and Kya Fear
clock 30 August 2024 • 4 min read